lesson

Name the accuracy before rounding

1 · Learn

Rounding selects a nearby multiple of a chosen unit. Identify the two neighbouring multiples and their halfway point. A positive whole number exactly halfway is rounded to the higher multiple in our convention.

Rounding to a million and to a thousand answer different questions. An estimate is useful for checking size but does not replace an exact answer when one is required.

Chosen unitLower multipleHalfwayUpper multiple
Key words and supplied examples.

2 · Worked example

6,749,500 rounds to 6,750,000 to the nearest thousand, but 7,000,000 to the nearest million. The different units explain the different answers.

3 · Your turn

Round 4,649,500 to the nearest thousand and nearest million.

Check your answer

4,650,000 and 5,000,000 respectively. For the million rounding, the value exceeds the 4,500,000 midpoint.

4 · Apply your learning

Choose three numbers near a rounding boundary and explain why two can round to the same multiple.

Adult guidance and safety

Ask the learner to explain the method and check it using a different representation. Supply place-value grids, fraction strips, accurate diagrams and measuring tools where needed. These examples need varied practice; a short correct answer alone does not establish fluency.

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